PAINTING HOLIDAYS - CRETE

This is an opportunity to paint and draw in the beautiful island of Crete under the guidance of an experienced tutor, John Hedley (please see home page of web site www.johnhedley.org.uk). Courses will run for six days (or twelve days by arrangement) and will be suitable for all levels of ability. Courses will be based on individual needs and interests, as there will be plenty of individual tuition in painting and drawing. Each course will be limited to a maximum of seven students. John has been painting on location in Crete for ten years and will be able to pass on his personal knowledge and observations. In the evenings, we will visit local tavernas for dinner (€ 10-15 with a drink, with excellent vegetarian choices), review the day’s work, and enjoy informal seminars to examine how contemporary and past artists have painted in the Mediterranean and been influenced by the light. Locations for painting and drawing will include a large garden, three terraces, the ancient village and the surrounding countryside. Optional sessions include Danuta Hedley teaching perspective, drawing and painting the old houses. The Location The art course is run from a house located at the edge of the old village of Gavalohori. Its large garden has many shaded areas, which are perfect for drawing and painting. There are many interesting rocks, plants, trees and cacti from which to derive inspiration. In addition, there are spectacular views of the White Mountains. In less than 3 minutes you can access olive groves, fields and woodland. It takes only a few minutes to walk to the village. The village is named after the Gavalas family, who lived there during the reign of the Venetians. The house is three kilometers (if you walk through the woodland) from the coast at Almirida. Gavalohori is a very old village with an interesting history explained in the local museum.

Q&A

What else is close to where you will be staying?

The village has four tavernas for buying your evening meals, a bakery, three grocery stores and a craft shop. There are many Greek Orthodox churches in and around the village, as well as Venetian arches and wells, Roman tombs and an ancient olive oil factory. The locality is excellent for walking.

Are cultural visits included?

There will be one or two day trips (at an additional cost of approx. €15-30 per visit). Destinations may include: - The Venetian city of Chania, where you will see the port, cathedral and museums and have an opportunity to do some sketching. - The city of Rethymnon, where you will visit the National Gallery of Contemporary Greek Art and the Turkish fort and see the surrounding countryside.

Non-artist partners welcome!

We are happy to provide local advice for alternative activities such as walking and excursions. Please feel free to enquire for advice.

COSTS

Tuition £125 per week

(snacks, tea/coffee etc. included)

Marilena Apartments at Gavalochori €35 sharing and €70 single includes breakfast and wi-fi

Accommodation in house is €35 to share or €40 single per night. There is one room available with own bathroom.

Accommodation in village starts at € 35 sharing and single at € 70.

Flights and transfers information (book early for cheap options): Costs of flights are between £75 & £250 return.

It is best to fly to Chania; flying to Heraklion is possible but an hour and a half bus or taxi journey will then be required.

ADVICE & REGISTRATION

Transfers from Chania will be between € 15 and € 45 depending on numbers. From the UK, many airlines fly to Chania including Ryanair, Easy Jet, jet2.com, Monarch, Aegean. Book flights early to get the cheapest deal. Register and pay an accommodation deposit of £60 to secure a place on a course. Participants are responsible for arranging their own flights and insurance.

Contact:

For further information or to register on courses:

John Hedley 07817586264 or Danuta or John on 01248 713107 john_m_hedley@yahoo.co.uk